THE STORY OF LING
Ling was the youngest of three sons, and from his youth upwards11 proved to be of a mild and studious disposition12. Most of his time was spent in reading the sacred books, and at an early age he found the worship of apes to be repulsive13 to his gentle nature, and resolved to break through the venerable traditions of his family by devoting his time to literary pursuits, and presenting himself for the public examinations at Canton. In this his resolution was strengthened by a rumour14 that an army of bowmen was shortly to be raised from the Province in which he lived, so that if he remained he would inevitably15 be forced into an occupation which was even more distasteful to him than the one he was leaving.
Having arrived at Canton, Ling’s first care was to obtain particulars of the examinations, which he clearly perceived, from the unusual activity displayed on all sides, to be near at hand. On inquiring from passers-by, he received very conflicting information; for the persons to whom he spoke16 were themselves entered for the competition, and therefore naturally misled him in order to increase their own chances of success. Perceiving this, Ling determined17 to apply at once, although the light was past, to a Mandarin18 who was concerned in the examinations, lest by delay he should lose his chance for the year.
“It is an unfortunate event that so distinguished19 a person should have selected this day and hour on which to overwhelm us with his affable politeness!” exclaimed the porter at the gate of the Yamen, when Ling had explained his reason for going. “On such a day, in the reign20 of the virtuous21 Emperor Hoo Chow, a very benevolent22 and unassuming ancestor of my good lord the Mandarin was destroyed by treachery, and ever since his family has observed the occasion by fasting and no music. This person would certainly be punished with death if he entered the inner room from any cause.”
At these words, Ling, who had been simply brought up, and chiefly in the society of apes, was going away with many expressions of self-reproach at selecting such a time, when the gate-keeper called him back.
“I am overwhelmed with confusion at the position in which I find myself,” he remarked, after he had examined his mind for a short time. “I may meet with an ungraceful and objectionable death if I carry out your estimable instructions, but I shall certainly merit and receive a similar fate if I permit so renowned24 and versatile25 a person to leave without a fitting reception. In such matters a person can only trust to the intervention26 of good spirits; if, therefore, you will permit this unworthy individual to wear, while making the venture, the ring which he perceives upon your finger, and which he recognizes as a very powerful charm against evil, misunderstandings, and extortion, he will go without fear.”
Overjoyed at the amiable27 porter’s efforts on his behalf, Ling did as he was desired, and the other retired28. Presently the door of the Yamen was opened by an attendant of the house, and Ling bidden to enter. He was covered with astonishment29 to find that this person was entirely30 unacquainted with his name or purpose.
“Alas!” said the attendant, when Ling had explained his object, “well said the renowned and inspired Ting Fo, ‘When struck by a thunderbolt it is unnecessary to consult the Book of Dates as to the precise meaning of the omen31.’ At this moment my noble-minded master is engaged in conversation with all the most honourable and refined persons in Canton, while singers and dancers of a very expert and nimble order have been sent for. The entertainment will undoubtedly32 last far into the night, and to present myself even with the excuse of your graceful23 and delicate inquiry33 would certainly result in very objectionable consequences to this person.”
“It is indeed a day of unprepossessing circumstances,” replied Ling, and after many honourable remarks concerning his own intellect and appearance, and those of the person to whom he was speaking, he had turned to leave when the other continued:
“Ever since your dignified34 presence illumined this very ordinary chamber35, this person has been endeavouring to bring to his mind an incident which occurred to him last night while he slept. Now it has come back to him with a diamond clearness, and he is satisfied that it was as follows: While he floated in the Middle Air a benevolent spirit in the form of an elderly and toothless vampire36 appeared, leading by the hand a young man, of elegant personality. Smiling encouragingly upon this person, the spirit said, ‘O Fou, recipient37 of many favours from Mandarins and of innumerable taels from gratified persons whom you have obliged, I am, even at this moment, guiding this exceptional young man towards your presence; when he arrives do not hesitate, but do as he desires, no matter how great the danger seems or how inadequately38 you may appear to be rewarded on earth.’ The vision then melted, but I now clearly perceive that with the exception of the embroidered39 cloak which you wear, you are the person thus indicated to me. Remove your cloak, therefore, in order to give the amiable spirit no opportunity of denying the fact, and I will advance your wishes; for, as the Book of Verses indicates, ‘The person who patiently awaits a sign from the clouds for many years, and yet fails to notice the earthquake at his feet, is devoid40 of intellect.’”
Convinced that he was assuredly under the especial protection of the Deities41, and that the end of his search was in view, Ling gave his rich cloak to the attendant, and was immediately shown into another room, where he was left alone.
After a considerable space of time the door opened and there entered a person whom Ling at first supposed to be the Mandarin. Indeed, he was addressing him by his titles when the other interrupted him. “Do not distress42 your incomparable mind by searching for honourable names to apply to so inferior a person as myself,” he said agreeably. “The mistake is, nevertheless, very natural; for, however miraculous43 it may appear, this unseemly individual, who is in reality merely a writer of spoken words, is admitted to be exceedingly like the dignified Mandarin himself, though somewhat stouter44, clad in better garments, and, it is said, less obtuse45 of intellect. This last matter he very much doubts, for he now finds himself unable to recognize by name one who is undoubtedly entitled to wear the Royal Yellow.”
With this encouragement Ling once more explained his position, narrating46 the events which had enabled him to reach the second chamber of the Yamen. When he had finished the secretary was overpowered with a high-minded indignation.
“Assuredly those depraved and rapacious47 persons who have both misled and robbed you shall suffer bow-stringing when the whole matter is brought to light,” he exclaimed. “The noble Mandarin neither fasts nor receives guests, for, indeed, he has slept since the sun went down. This person would unhesitatingly break his slumber48 for so commendable49 a purpose were it not for a circumstance of intolerable unavoidableness. It must not even be told in a low breath beyond the walls of the Yamen, but my benevolent and high-born lord is in reality a person of very miserly instinct, and nothing will call him from his natural sleep but the sound of taels shaken beside his bed. In an unexpected manner it comes about that this person is quite unsupplied with anything but thin printed papers of a thousand taels each, and these are quite useless for the purpose.”
“It is unendurable that so obliging a person should be put to such inconvenience on behalf of one who will certainly become a public laughing-stock at the examinations,” said Ling, with deep feeling; and taking from a concealed50 spot in his garments a few taels, he placed them before the secretary for the use he had indicated.
Ling was again left alone for upwards of two strokes of the gong, and was on the point of sleep when the secretary returned with an expression of dignified satisfaction upon his countenance51. Concluding that he had been successful in the manner of awakening52 the Mandarin, Ling was opening his mouth for a polite speech, which should contain a delicate allusion53 to the taels, when the secretary warned him, by affecting a sudden look of terror, that silence was exceedingly desirable, and at the same time opened another door and indicated to Ling that he should pass through.
In the next room Ling was overjoyed to find himself in the presence of the Mandarin, who received him graciously, and paid many estimable compliments to the name he bore and the country from which he came. When at length Ling tore himself from this enchanting54 conversation, and explained the reason of his presence, the Mandarin at once became a prey55 to the whitest and most melancholy56 emotions, even plucking two hairs from his pigtail to prove the extent and conscientiousness57 of his grief.
“Behold,” he cried at length, “I am resolved that the extortionate and many-handed persons at Peking who have control of the examination rites58 and customs shall no longer grow round-bodied without remark. This person will unhesitatingly proclaim the true facts of the case without regarding the danger that the versatile Chancellor59 or even the sublime60 Emperor himself may, while he speaks, be concealed in some part of this unassuming room to hear his words; for, as it is wisely said, ‘When marked out by destiny, a person will assuredly be drowned, even though he passes the whole of his existence among the highest branches of a date tree.’”
“I am overwhelmed that I should be the cause of such an engaging display of polished agitation,” said Ling, as the Mandarin paused. “If it would make your own stomach less heavy, this person will willingly follow your estimable example, either with or without knowing the reason.”
“The matter is altogether on your account, O most unobtrusive young man,” replied the Mandarin, when a voice without passion was restored to him. “It tears me internally with hooks to reflect that you, whose refined ancestors I might reasonably have known had I passed my youth in another Province, should be victim to the cupidity61 of the ones in authority at Peking. A very short time before you arrived there came a messenger in haste from those persons, clearly indicating that a legal toll62 of sixteen taels was to be made on each printed paper setting forth63 the time and manner of the examinations, although, as you may see, the paper is undoubtedly marked, ‘Persons are given notice that they are defrauded64 of any sum which they may be induced to exchange for this matter.’ Furthermore, there is a legal toll of nine taels on all persons who have previously65 been examined—”
“I am happily escaped from that,” exclaimed Ling with some satisfaction as the Mandarin paused.
“—and twelve taels on all who present themselves for the first time. This is to be delivered over when the paper is purchased, so that you, by reason of this unworthy proceeding66 at Peking, are required to forward to that place, through this person, no less than thirty-two taels.”
“It is a circumstance of considerable regret,” replied Ling; “for had I only reached Canton a day earlier, I should, it appears, have avoided this evil.”
“Undoubtedly it would have been so,” replied the Mandarin, who had become engrossed67 in exalted68 meditation69. “However,” he continued a moment later, as he bowed to Ling with an accomplished smile, “it would certainly be a more pleasant thought for a person of your refined intelligence that had you delayed until to-morrow the insatiable persons at Peking might be demanding twice the amount.”
Pondering the deep wisdom of this remark, Ling took his departure; but in spite of the most assiduous watchfulness70 he was unable to discern any of the three obliging persons to whose efforts his success had been due.
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1
pinioned
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| v.抓住[捆住]（双臂）( pinion的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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brigands
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| n.土匪，强盗( brigand的名词复数 ) | |
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honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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omniscient
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| adj.无所不知的；博识的 | |
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hereditary
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| adj.遗传的，遗传性的，可继承的，世袭的 | |
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illiterate
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| adj.文盲的；无知的；n.文盲 | |
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narrated
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| v.故事( narrate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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repulsive
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| adj.排斥的，使人反感的 | |
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rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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16
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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Mandarin
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| n.中国官话，国语，满清官吏；adj.华丽辞藻的 | |
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19
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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20
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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21
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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22
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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23
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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versatile
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| adj.通用的，万用的；多才多艺的，多方面的 | |
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intervention
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| n.介入，干涉，干预 | |
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amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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vampire
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| n.吸血鬼 | |
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recipient
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| a.接受的,感受性强的 n.接受者,感受者,容器 | |
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inadequately
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| ad.不够地；不够好地 | |
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embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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devoid
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| adj.全无的，缺乏的 | |
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deities
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| n.神，女神( deity的名词复数 )；神祗；神灵；神明 | |
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42
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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43
miraculous
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| adj.像奇迹一样的，不可思议的 | |
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stouter
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| 粗壮的( stout的比较级 )； 结实的； 坚固的； 坚定的 | |
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45
obtuse
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| adj.钝的；愚钝的 | |
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46
narrating
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| v.故事( narrate的现在分词 ) | |
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47
rapacious
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| adj.贪婪的，强夺的 | |
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48
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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49
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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50
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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51
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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52
awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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53
allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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54
enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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55
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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56
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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57
conscientiousness
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| 责任心 | |
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58
rites
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| 仪式，典礼( rite的名词复数 ) | |
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59
chancellor
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| n.(英)大臣；法官；(德、奥)总理；大学校长 | |
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60
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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61
cupidity
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| n.贪心，贪财 | |
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62
toll
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| n.过路(桥)费；损失，伤亡人数；v.敲(钟) | |
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63
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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64
defrauded
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| v.诈取，骗取( defraud的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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65
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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66
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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67
engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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68
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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69
meditation
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| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
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70
watchfulness
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| 警惕，留心； 警觉（性） | |
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